Two New Urban Health and Wellness Centres Inaugurated in Mira Bhayandar

Mira Bhayandar has expanded its healthcare services with the inauguration of two new Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWC), also known as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. The facilities, located in Ghodbunder village and Mahajan Wadi in Kashimira, were inaugurated by Thane MP Naresh Mhaske, alongside local legislator Pratap Sarnaik and municipal commissioner Sanjay Katkar. With these additions, the total number of operational UHWC’s in the twin-city has reached eight, with plans for three more centres in the pipeline. The first UHWC was launched in the Indralok area of Bhayandar (east) on May 1, 2023. These centres aim to provide comprehensive primary healthcare, making medical services more accessible to residents. Services offered include outpatient care, free medications, lab testing, prenatal check-ups, specialist referrals, and counselling. Municipal Commissioner Katkar emphasized that these centres serve as the initial point of contact for primary healthcare, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for lower-income citizens. Each UHWC is staffed with five personnel, including a qualified doctor, nurse, attendant, guard, and multi-purpose worker, operating from 2 PM to 10 PM. City Programme Manager Aditi Vasaikar noted the positive response from the community, with each centre catering to the medical needs of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 residents. The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) is also planning to introduce teleconsultation and yoga sessions at these wellness centres. This initiative is part of the national urban health mission (NUHM) and is supported by funding from the 15th Finance Commission, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility in urban areas.